While we do not know the day or hour of the rapture of the church (1 Th 4:13-18), we can be discerning of the times and alert to developments that appear to be setting the stage for the coming Tribulation (1 Th 5:4-6). According to Scripture, the rapture will occur prior to the Tribulation, and it stands to reason that we may observe certain precursors unfolding before the Lord calls His church to heaven. In light of this, it seems that several world events and technological advances today align with what Scripture describes as dominant features of the Tribulation period, especially the rise of the Antichrist, a centralized global government, and a unified economic system (Dan 7:23-25; Rev 13:16-17). With this in mind, we identify several trends and developments that may help us see how the world is being prepared for these future realities:
First, Israel’s presence in the land. One of the most remarkable signs of stage-setting is Israel’s existence as a sovereign nation after nearly 2,000 years of dispersion. The rebirth of the nation in 1948 fulfills key aspects of biblical prophecy regarding Israel’s physical regathering (Ezek 36:24; Amos 9:14-15). While the current return is largely political and secular, it lays the foundation for God’s future dealings with Israel during the Tribulation, culminating in the nation’s spiritual restoration at Christ’s second coming (Zech 12:10; Rom 11:26). Israel’s control over Jerusalem and Jewish settlement in the land provide the geopolitical framework necessary for Daniel’s 70th week to unfold (Dan 9:24-27).
Second, hostility in the Middle East. The persistent hostility surrounding Israel, including terror threats, international pressures, and regional instability, reflects the prophetic picture of nations gathered against Jerusalem in the last days (Zech 12:2-3; 14:2). This unrelenting opposition makes the idea of a peace agreement increasingly appealing—creating fertile ground for the rise of the Antichrist, who will broker a temporary covenant with Israel, deceptively promising peace and security (Dan 9:27). His eventual betrayal will trigger unprecedented global conflict and fulfill Jesus’ warning of the “abomination of desolation” (Matt 24:15).
Third, a desire to rebuild the temple. Alongside Israel’s political resurgence, there is growing interest among Jewish groups to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The Temple Institute and similar organizations have already crafted priestly garments, temple vessels, and architectural plans, eagerly awaiting the restoration of temple worship. Prophecy indicates that a future temple will exist during the Tribulation (2 Th 2:4; Rev 11:1-2), where the Antichrist will desecrate the holy place. These modern preparations, though incomplete, show that the logistical and ideological groundwork for this prophetic temple is actively advancing.
Fourth, there is a move toward globalism and centralized control. We’re witnessing increasing calls for global governance to address transnational issues like climate change, pandemics, and economic instability. Organizations like the United Nations, World Economic Forum, and International Monetary Fund frequently promote global solutions, with language that echoes visions of a world unified under centralized authority. Though well-intentioned on the surface, such trends provide the ideological and bureaucratic infrastructure for the kind of world government over which the Antichrist will ultimately preside (Rev 13:7-8).
Fifth, digital currencies and cashless economies. The rise of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) is another remarkable development. Nations like China, and even the European Union and United States, are exploring or piloting digital currencies issued by governments. Such systems allow for unprecedented control over buying and selling, aligning with the technology implied in Revelation 13:16-17, where the Beast’s economic system requires a “mark” to buy or sell. While these technologies aren’t the mark of the beast (which won’t be implemented until the Antichrist’s reign), they show the increasing feasibility of a controlled, trackable, and mandatory economic system.
Sixth, advancements in surveillance technology. Mass surveillance through facial recognition, biometric databases, artificial intelligence, and global data networks is becoming normalized. Governments and corporations have more tools than ever to monitor individuals’ movements, communications, and transactions. The Antichrist’s regime will exercise total control over people’s religious, political, and economic activities (Rev 13:15-17), and modern surveillance tools could easily facilitate such global oversight.
Seventh, religious ecumenism and push toward religious unity. In the past few decades, we’ve seen growing efforts to unite world religions under a common banner, with interfaith dialogues, joint worship services, and ecumenical partnerships becoming commonplace. Revelation 17 describes a future false religious system (the harlot) that will initially have global influence before being destroyed by the Beast. The momentum toward religious pluralism and tolerance today reflects a mindset that could be co-opted into the future religious system of the Tribulation.
Eighth, erosion of traditional values and increasing moral lawlessness. Paul warned that “the mystery of lawlessness is already at work” (2 Th 2:7), and indeed we see accelerating moral confusion, hostility toward biblical truth, and the breakdown of social norms and divine institutions. This increasing lawlessness paves the way for a leader who will appear to provide solutions but will ultimately be “the lawless one” (2 Th 2:8).
Ninth, wars, instability, and calls for peace. Jesus described wars, rumors of wars, and global instability as “the beginning of birth pangs” (Matt 24:6-8). While these are not signs of the rapture, they foreshadow the geopolitical chaos that will characterize the Tribulation and create the conditions for the Antichrist to emerge as a false messiah offering peace (Dan 9:27).
All of these trends point to the increasing plausibility of a world political, economic, and religious system under centralized control—exactly the environment Scripture describes in the Tribulation. As believers, we should avoid date-setting or sensationalism, but at the same time, we can recognize the convergence of these developments as part of God’s providential orchestration of history (Isa 46:10). In practical terms, these observations should motivate us to walk wisely, redeem the time (Eph 5:15-16), and stay focused on proclaiming the gospel of grace to a world that desperately needs it (2 Cor 5:20). Rather than retreat in fear, we can take courage knowing that our “blessed hope” is not in political solutions or economic stability, but in the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ (Tit 2:13). And while the world may be unknowingly setting the stage for the Antichrist, we’re joyfully awaiting Christ Himself!
As someone once quipped, “When you see Christmas decorations going up, you know Thanksgiving is near.” In a similar way, if the world is preparing for the events of the Tribulation, how much closer must the rapture be? As Christians, we do not live in fear but in confidence in God, for we know He is directing human history toward the return of Christ. We are “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Tit 2:13).
Dr. Steven R. Cook
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